Teenage Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

Many American teenagers can access alcohol easily, despite being under the age of 21. Teenage alcohol abuse is widespread and may result in various negative effects, including alcohol addiction, accidents, and physical and physiological body damage. 

Statistics on Teenage Alcohol Abuse 

In the preceding year, over 10% of kids aged 12-17 reported abusing alcohol. The likelihood that a teenager will drink increases as his teenage years increase. 33% of teenagers had tried alcohol by the age of 15. 66% of teenagers report having at least one drink by age 18.

Most teenagers drink with the intent of getting drunk, and studies reveal that the vast majority of teenage drinkers engage in binge drinking: Nearly 61% of teenage drinkers in the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported binge drinking during the previous month. Binge drinking is consuming alcohol in excessive quantities, but its definition varies depending on whether the drinker is a man or a woman. Men are considered binge drinkers if they have had five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting on at least one day in the previous month. Women are considered binge drinkers if they have had four or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting on at least one day in the previous month.

Warning Signs of Teenage Alcohol Addiction

If you’re a parent of a teen whom you suspect may have an alcohol problem, keep an eye out for these signs of addiction:

    • A shift in social circles
  • Poor motor coordination
  • Poor performance at school
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Alcohol breath or odor on clothes
  • Lack of motivation

While these symptoms may not necessarily point to an alcohol use disorder, they are warning signs that your teenager needs alcohol addiction treatment. Be ready to seek help from a drug rehab that focuses on assisting teenagers who are struggling with alcohol abuse. 

Side Effects of Teenage Alcohol Abuse

Chronic alcohol abuse in teens poses serious health hazards that may have fatal consequences. A decline in the teen’s academic performance, behavioral issues at school, and even dropping out of school are all possible outcomes of their alcohol abuse.

Blacking out from excessive drinking also increases the danger of assault and makes it harder to recall one’s own acts. Alcohol poisoning, which may be fatal and is frequently not dealt with correctly by teenagers, is another consequence of binge drinking.

Teenage alcohol abuse has also been linked to several negative health effects, including the onset or worsening of chronic health problems like liver failure, elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and stroke and the emergence of, or a worsening of, depression or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning.

Please seek addiction treatment if you think your teen has an alcohol problem.

Get The Best Help For Your Teen Alcohol Addiction at Mallard Lake Detox Center

Alcohol abuse and addiction in teens cause problems for the whole household. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston, Texas, for assistance with your teen’s alcohol addiction. Our center offers many kinds of addiction therapy, including a special program for teenage girls and boys. Contact Mallard Lake to get your teen on the road to recovery from alcohol dependency.